Question

Cell membrane is visible under
(A) Electron microscope
(B) Optical microscope
(C) Both optical and electron microscope
(D) Oil immersion lens

Answer 1

Hint: Both optical microscope and electron microscope have similar applications but vary from each other based on their working principles and mechanism. Both are used for magnification of appropriate objects for better clarifications.

Complete Answer:
Generally, an electron microscope applies electrons to illumine a sample or matter to produce an enlarged and clear image. On the other hand, an optical microscope or light microscope utilizes visible light and significant arrangements of lens and mirror to magnify the objects.

As compared to the optical microscope or light microscope, an electron microscope has more potential to make a clear vision of various cell organelles such as cell membrane, nucleus and others. Due to the smaller size of the cell organelles, it becomes very difficult for an observer to make specific differentiation by using an optical or light microscope. Also, the resolution of an electron microscope is significantly very high as compared to an optical or light microscope, which allows them to provide higher magnification and thus a clearer and precise image is attained.

Generally, the cell membranes (internal membranes and plasma membrane) are present at outer portions of a cell and are composed of glycerophospholipids i.e. combination of glycerol moiety, a phosphate group, and two chains of fatty acids. The cell membrane acts as a barrier for the external substances and also acts as a semipermeable membrane for selection of feasible components for the cell.

Hence the correct answer is option A.

Note: Generally, the movement of components through the cellular membranes takes place through a simple diffusion process. The structural arrangements of the cellular membrane assist the diffusion of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), essential components (proteins, lipids).